I Sit and Stay, You Win

I don’t always believe books have to be educational. I’m a firm believer in trash as escape from real life. But when a book I’m reading to my daughter is imparting the kind of knowledge that will keep her safe in this scary world, I’m not going to complain.

I Sit and Stay, isn’t from a fancy publishing house with fancy illustrations and cutesy sayings. It’s the product of a member of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team. Leah Waarvik spent the weeks after Hurricane Katrina rescuing pets in New Orleans with her partner, Emma, a gorgeous Australian Shepherd who graces the cover of I Sit and Stay.

Inspired by stories of all the kids who have been lost in the woods simply because they didn’t know what to do, Waarvik decided to sit down and write a book. “I came to realize that the great presentations put on by search-and rescue teams weren’t reaching enough children,” Waarvik explained. “I wanted to create an option that was a bit more available and interactive for families that enjoy being outdoors.”

The result is a simple survival guide, accompanied by a whistle (Warning to parents: hide this until you’re actually taking them outside. It’s plastic, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t loud!!) anda plastic poncho that can double as a cushion when stuffed with leaves or a bright yellow signal when search parties are getting close.

To be honest, my daughter was attracted to the book because of the pictures of Emma on the front (once you see her, you’ll understand – we’re dog people). Then there’s what whistle . . . But dig inside, and I Sit and Stay offers a valuable tool for parents as we learn to let go of our kids.

Thanks go to Leah, who wants to share the story with and Inside Out winner. One I Sit and Stay kit is up for grabs – all you have to do is leave a comment about some of the survival skills you’ve imparted to your kids. For extra entries, as always, grab my badge and/or blog about the contest, then leave the link in comments. The contest will close on Monday, November 3, and it’s open to residents of the US and Canada only. Make sure you check back to see if you’re a winner, or subscribe to be the first to know about any of ourgiveaways.

My little man isn’t very far along in my “protect him from the world campaign,” so far he’s just met a few law enforcement officers on the street and I’ve sung their praises – hoping that he wouldn’t fear them based on my husband’s “oh crap, it’s the police” remarks as he speeds down the road. I really plan to step it up as soon as I think he can understand more, making sure he knows it’s okay to tell me ANYTHING and letting him know more about the big scary world we live in – hopefully gently enough not to scare him into hiding in the house.

I’ve been teaching my kids about healthy boundaries–not letting themselves be manipulated/guilted into things, to have healthy personal boundaries–food, etc., and so on. All things I wish I’d been taught before my 30s! lydia.bower @ gmail.com

We are dog lovers here, also. A new member of our family is “Daisy”, a rescue puppy from a puppy mill. We almost lost her to distemper, but right now she is doing fine! The cutest little beagle, ever! Please enter me in your delightful drawing. I really appreciate it. Thanks, Cindijchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Just yesterday in our MOPS group we had a police officier come in to do a presentation on Stranger Danger.Most parents tell their children to never talk to strangers. Yet we do it everyday in casual conversation which in turn gives conflicting information to our children.We were told to allow our children to meet and talk to strangers while with a parent. Afterward you and your child can discuss how they felt about that person. This will allow your children to learn and “feel” who are good people and who are not.Also he said that if your child is ever lost to seek out a woman (preferrably one with children). Woman are very nurturing and protective by nature and will take your child under her wing until she figures out how to help. The chances that a woman would be a predator is almost nil.

I have always taught my kids about “Stranger Danger” and the importance of sticking close to us and what to do if they get seperated from us. This sounds some a wonderful book that every parent should read.Thanks for the giveaway!HunnyV “at” Optonline “dot” net

I am a big believer in the holding of hands when we are out. From an early age I taught them my and my husbands names, our address and phone number, just in case they get lost. Of course stranger danger

we’ve taught our kid’s that they have to have a safety word to go with someone…if lost in a store to go to the cashier and ask for help…if lost in the park or on an outting to stay put and start yelling for mom…never thought of a whistle…have to get one of them…thank you for the giveaway…cvdmvega@yahoo.com

So far I’ve only been able to teach my 2 year old to keep on the sidewalk and stay off the road when we’re walking. It’s very hard when your kid isn’t afraid of anything! Thanks for the giveaway!Angela itsahumanzoo(at)gmail(dot)comP.S. To kick off NaBloPoMo I’m giving away some Bath and Body Works stuff over at my blog. If you’re interested, check it out!

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Disclaimer

I realized I had to add one of these because people let their minds run away with them sometimes. Wait, where was I?

The reviews I put up on this site are NOT paid for by any company. They come from my little ol' head. Some of the products I found myself - on the 'net, at the store, or from other moms. Some were sent my way by publicists. Usually they didn't fit the mold of another project I was working on, but I thought they were so cool I couldn't help sharing!

As for what happens to the products I didn't care for - you'll never know! Because I won't write about them on here. So if you see it, I liked it. 'Nuff said!